Large scale, family-friendly theatre returns to the North Bay with the Spreckels Theatre Company production of The Wind in the Willows. Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame adapted Kenneth Grahame’s classic 1908 novel in collaboration with composer George Stiles and lyricist Anthony Drewe (the same team that adapted Mary Poppins for the stage.) The musical runs at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park through May 19.

Grahame’s tale of the adventures of some English countryside critters is more or less intact, with a few new additions that bring some gender parity to the story.

The inquisitive and perpetually positive Mole (Sean O’Brien) happens upon the river loving Rat (Nelson Brown) and a fast friendship develops. Their mutual acquaintance, the speed-loving Toad (Tim Setzer), invites them to Toad Hall. They are soon gallivanting about in Toad’s horse-drawn carriage when a new-fangled automobile causes them to crash. Toad becomes obsessed with cars and is soon responsible for a number of wrecks and close-calls. Mole and Rat seek the help of Badger (Mary Gannon Graham) in breaking Toad of his dangerous obsession. Toad responds by stealing a car, getting arrested, and being sent to prison. Soon Toad Hall is occupied by the Chief Weasel (Keene Hudson) and his minions. What will become of Toad and Toad Hall?

Director Sheri Lee Miller has mounted a bright and colorful production that lovers of the source material should enjoy. The show is well cast with O’Brien and Brown both marvelous as the fast friends. Setzer gives a very animated performance as Toad, and Mary Gannon Graham is, as always, a rock of stability as Badger.

There’s strong work from the ensemble, with special notice of the lovely vocal work done by Ted Smith and Katie Foster as Mr. and Mrs. Hedgehog. 

The costuming by Donnie Frank was on-point without being excessive, and Eddy Hansen’s lighting design was key in communicating some of the tougher-to-stage action.

Sound was an issue at the opening night performance. Most musicals have the advantage of audience familiarity with the songs. That is not the case here, which means hearing the lyrics delivered with crystal clarity is important.  Many of Setzer’s songs were overpowered by the orchestra. Either his mic needs to come up, or the orchestra needs to come down.

Sound issues led to the show actually being stopped in mid-second act. Kudos to the cast for picking it right back up. Corrective measures have apparently been taken to prevent a reoccurrence.

The 12-piece orchestra under the direction of Lucas Sherman does a good job of delivering Stiles’ pleasant but stylistically-inconsistent score. Many songs seemed to go on a bit long and their repetitiveness made the show feel longer than its two hours and twenty minutes (including intermission) running time.  

The vocals are generally strong, with the aforementioned Smith and Foster’s delivery of “The Hedgehog’s Nightmare” a highlight.

Karen Miles’ choreography, particularly in the large-scale production numbers like “We’re Taking Over the Hall”, lacks precision in its execution, but who’s to say how vermin would dance?

What The Wind in the Willows is really about has been debated for decades. The focus of this amiable production is clearly a celebration of friendship. No matter what, “A Friend is Still a Friend” (though some might argue there are limitations.)

Not a bad lesson for us all. 

‘The Wind in the Willows’ runs through May 19 in the Codding Theater at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. Thurs-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $10 – $20. 707.588.3400. spreckelsonline.com 

Photos by Jeff Thomas

This review originally appeared in an edited version in the North Bay Bohemian.